Hasta La Motion!

In this inspirational, full-day workshop with master special effects animator and Disney Veteran, Joseph Gilland, and based on his ground-breaking book Elemental Magic: The Classical Art of Hand-Drawn Special Effects Animation, the author brings a fresh perspective to understanding the underlying energy behind elemental special effects such as fire, water, smoke, explosions and magic.

Drawing on a life-long mission to capture the essential energy of the elements, Joseph urges his workshop participants to explore the natural world around them and inside them, to tap into the true nature of the elements and thus bring fresh, dynamic energy to the visual effects that they create. Traditional and digital artists, technical directors and computer programmers alike will discover fresh new ways to approach visual effects animation.

About Joseph Gilland:
In his long and storied animation career, Joseph has utilized his traditional and digital animation talents at such studios as Walt Disney Feature Animation, Don Bluth Animation, and the National Film Board of Canada. At Walt Disney Feature Animation, Joseph served as Supervisor of Visual Effects for the Disney classics Lilo & Stitch and Brother Bear. Joseph also served as Head of Florida Special Effects Unit for the features Kingdom of the Sun and Tarzan, and was Special Effects Animator on such notable titles as Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, James and the Giant Peach, Hercules and Mulan. His broad experience also includes animating for video games, on several short film projects at the National Film Board of Canada, and directing dozens of television commercials as an independent director. From 2003 to 2005, Joseph headed up the world renowned animation program at the Vancouver Film School.

Joseph is currently writing a follow up volume to Elemental Magic: The Classical Art of Hand-Drawn Special Effects Animation (Focal Press, 2009) so expect some sneak peeks of his new book at this workshop.

** Please bring paper, pencil & a hard surface to the workshop to participate in drawing exercises.

Presented in partnership with the NFB Mediatheque and with funding support from The Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council.